EmpowerMigra - English cover art

EmpowerMigra - English

EmpowerMigra - English

By: EmpowerMigra
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About this listen

EmpowerMigra explains migration through scientific studies – clearly, accessibly, and transparently. Each episode breaks down a specific study and shows what research really says about migration, integration, discrimination, and racism – beyond headlines and opinions. You’ll learn what the data shows, where common narratives fall short, and how complex reality actually is. All sources are openly shared so every claim can be verified.EmpowerMigra Science
Episodes
  • Bias in German Apprentices
    Apr 28 2026

    In this episode ofEmpowerMigra, we explore a question that many people underestimate:
    Why do young people with a migration background have lower chances of gettingan apprenticeship – even with the same grades and qualifications?

    We take a look at a studyby the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training that examinesexactly this issue. The findings are clear:
    The barriers do not start in the job itself, but already at the entry intovocational training.

    Even with comparableschool performance, young people with a migration background have lower chancesof securing an apprenticeship. Many initially end up in the so-calledtransition system. Networks and social background play a role – but they do notfully explain these differences.

    What remains is anuncomfortable insight:
    Access to the labor market is not only a matter of performance, but also ofstructures and opportunities.

    This episode explains thestudy in a clear and accessible way – and raises a central question at the end:
    If not everyone has the same opportunities, how fair is the system really?


    EmpowerMigra – understanding begins withlistening.


    Source:Beicht, U., & Granato, M. (2011). Prekäre Übergänge vermeiden – Potenziale nutzen.Junge Frauen und Männer mit Migrationshintergrund an der Schwelle von derSchule zur Ausbildung. Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.

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    43 mins
  • Why the system wastes qualified migrants
    Apr 21 2026

    In this episode, we look at a key question:
    Why do many highly qualified people with a migration background work below their actual level of qualification?

    The study by Franken and Kowalski shows that Germany has a large potential of well-educated professionals – but this potential is often not fully used.

    The reasons include problems with the recognition of qualifications, a lack of professional networks, and structural barriers in the labor market.

    As a result, highly qualified people often work in jobs that do not match their skills.

    The study makes it clear that integration into the labor market does not depend only on individual performance, but is strongly influenced by existing structures and access to opportunities.

    EmpowerMigra – understanding begins with listening


    Source:

    Franken, S., & Kowalski, S. (2006). Nutzungdes Potenzials junger Akademiker mit Migrationshintergrund für dieBundesrepublik Deutschland.

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    14 mins
  • Why migration does not lower wages
    Apr 14 2026

    In this episode, we explore the question of whether migration really lowers wages – as is often claimed.

    The study by Tanja Fendel shows that migration has only a very small effect on wages in Germany. In some cases, wages may even increase slightly in the long term.

    An important point: people often move to regions with better economic opportunities. This creates differences that cannot be explained by migration alone.

    The results make it clear: the labor market is complex – simple statements like “migration lowers wages” are too simplistic and are not supported by scientific data.

    EmpowerMigra – understanding begins with listening


    Source:

    Fendel, T. (2016).Migration and regional wage disparities in Germany. Journal of Economics and Statistics (Jahrbücher für Nationalökonomie undStatistik), 236(1), 3–35.https://doi.org/10.1515/jbnst-2015-1001

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    34 mins
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